Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)

Pairs of black-necked storks bond for several years, possibly for life, and remain together during the non-breeding season, maintaining and defending discrete territories (2) (4) (8). Thus, courtship displays are minimal, occasionally consisting of some bowing and clapping of bills (2), and mating usually occurs at the nest (4). Two to four white, conical eggs are laid and incubated by both parents, which also share the role of caring for the chicks once hatched (2). Birds studied in India started breeding immediately after the monsoon in September, with most chicks hatching by mid-January and fledging by mid-March. Young birds usually remained on their natal territories for 14 to 18 months, with some remaining up to 28 months (9). The black-necked stork has a carnivorous diet, feeding on a wide range of items, including fish, small crustaceans, amphibians, large insects, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles and rodents (2) (3) (10).

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